August was a very productive reading month for me. I guess my idea to post what I needed to read really did give me the kick in the pants I was hoping for!
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This was my TBR pile reading goal for August (in addition to A Lady’s Guide to Skirting Scandal by kelle Bowen & A Wish Upon Jasmine by Laura Florand for review – not pictured) - Initial post link
I read everything except Another Day by David Levithan and that’s because I still would like to read the companion novel Every Day first and I need to buy it.
In addition to my reading goals, I read several more books for a total of 13 for the month of August.
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YA
M/M
Historical Romance
Contemporary Romance
AND! I made my 100 books read in 2015 goal already!
Since that worked out so well for me, I’m going to try to keep it and have my next set of reading goals posted the first week of September. And I guess I’ll update my challenge to either 125 or 150 on Goodreads.
Today I have a double dose review – books 1 & 2, from the Grey Haired Knitting Detectives series by D.E. Haggerty.
My name is Izzy. I drink too much, am clumsier than a newborn foal, and my brain-to-mouth filter often malfunctions. My daredevil husband killed himself in a parachuting accident five years ago and my best friend Jack has decided it’s time I jump back in the dating pool. He’s perfectly happy to throw me in if I don’t listen. Just when things in the dating world start to heat up, my grandma dies. Only her knitting group of Jessica Fletcher wannabes is sure it’s murder. I’m not convinced but I’m always up for a bit of excitement as long as it doesn’t lead to a night in jail. Well, more than one night anyway. Will I miss my chance at love because I’m chasing imaginary killers? Did someone really kill grandma or am I and my merry band of geriatric thieves imagining things? ~Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Review: This was a really cute story with a fun mystery and kooky cast of characters. I thought the romance was a little underdeveloped – especially when the love interest, Noel, starts calling her baby and saying "I'm your man" seemingly out of nowhere. But that's just a minor part of the story. In fact, despite frequent f bombs, this is a clean (fade to black sex) story. BFF Jack & the grey-haired Knitting Club girls were a hoot.
Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle, but then his super hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the grey-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man. ~Goodreads
Source: e-book provided by the author in exchange for my honest review
Review: The gang is reunited when Jack suspects someone is skimming profits from his clothing store for cross dressers and plus sized women. Is is his spiteful co-owner and ex, Noel, his new super sexy bookkeeper or an inside job by an employee or supplier? Bring on the grey-haired knitting club girls to crack the case!
This is another cute addition to the series. I enjoyed the romance more (although it’s very understated) in this than the first book and I was intrigued by the mystery – but the ladies didn’t integrate as seamlessly in Jack’s story as they did in Murder, Mystery, & Dating Mahem. Having said that, they’re still adorable and fun to have around.
I don’t read many cosy mysteries so I’m not great at judging this series against other books in the genre, but these are super light, humorous, fast reads that provide a little mystery and just a dab of romance.
When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.
Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will turn you on. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.
Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I'm going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and arguing cases in the principal's office.
Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.
Source: E-arc provided by the publisher viaNetGalleyin exchange for an honest review
Speed Date Review:
1st date: Jack, if I went by how you behaved on our first date, we wouldn’t have had a second. Jack is a player. The type of guy who has one night hook ups, doesn’t promise more and moves on. I actually don’t have a problem with that – as long as the guy is up front BEFORE the hook up. But the book starts with him basically telling his latest hook up AFTER the fact and that just rubbed me the wrong way. He also doesn’t remember a random hook up after being confronted by the girl because she wasn’t hot. Yeah – I don’t like you Jack.
2nd date: Now the 6 kids start entering the scene one by one and I’m like noooooo…this book is more about the kids than the romance!!! But a funny thing happened. I LOVED the kids and the way Jack interacts with them. His is completely changed the second he meets them but he doesn’t become soft, mushy and boring. Instead he uses his ruthless reputation for good, helping the kids and, their aunt and guardian, Chelsea. It's all so funny and endearing - but mostly side splittingly funny.
3rd date: Third date’s the charm! This was such a fun romance that had me totally changing my mind about Jack and kids in romance. Very well done!
I really loved Chelsea and how Chase showed how difficult it is to juggle instant parenthood with putting aside your own hopes and dreams to help the kids have a stable environment. Chelsea and Jack have major chemistry but it’s more than that. They build a solid relationship based on trust, respect and security.
Shattered Secrets (The Secret Trilogy #3) by Lana Williams Historical Romance ~ Goodreads
My thoughts: Tortured, scarred hero with a secret. Hot, sexy, romance…blah blah blah. Not bad but I feel like I’ve already read this story at least 100 times. Nothing unique to make it stand out.
Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan YA Contemporary suspense ~ Goodreads Source: BEA15
My thoughts: Plot holes ahoy! DoDS is primarily a revenge/mystery tale but it requires such a huge suspension of disbelief, that I could never buy into any of it (or maybe I was too dumb to *get it*). Also, the romance – a pivotal element to the story for sure - but it’s so hard to believe a) you can be in “soulmate” level love at age 14, after less than a week. b) it carries over 4yrs of not seeing each other. c.) It overrides your need for revenge to the point that your lust is more important than justice for your family?? Not buying into any of it. Harumph! lol
Full Exposure by Amy Jo Cousins M/M Contemporary – Freebie ~ Goodreads
My thoughts: Fun, sexy short about a self described shy, geek who meets a temperamental rock star and sparks ignite. There was an odd tense change a few chapters in – and then it switches back. That totally threw me but otherwise a good freebie read.
Treble Maker (Perfect Harmony #1) by Annabeth Albert M/M Contemporary ~Goodreads
My thoughts: I really enjoy Albert's very sweet Portland Heat series but I think Treble Maker is even better. I love the way she writes romance - super swoony and sexy. It's a tad lower on the angst scale but I'm a sap and I love books that keep me reading until midnight and relationships that make go AWWWWWW.
Butterfly Swords (Tang Dynasty #1) by Jeanine Lin Historical Romance ~Goodreads
My thoughts: This book has been on my shelf for years.
I enjoyed the setting for this book - Tang Dynasty in 758 AD China. It’s different than anything I've read before but everything else about the book was pretty generic. A fun adventure but the romance was nothing too exciting. In fact Mr. Hormone hero was super annoying trying to keep his lust in check with the (kick ass) heroine but thinking dirty thoughts almost non stop from the get go. Ai Li walks – his pants get tight, her braid falls out of her cap – his pants get tight. lol Nothing wrong with that – it just had me rolling my eyes at the frequency.
Me thinks I might be a romance cranky pants these days!
A postapocalyptic novel with a cinematic twist from New York Times bestseller Barry Lyga, actor Peter Facinelli, and producer Robert DeFranco.
On the ruined planet Earth, where 50 billion people are confined to megacities and resources are scarce, Deedra has been handed a bleak and mundane existence by the Magistrate she works so hard for. But one day she comes across a beautiful boy named Rose struggling to cross the river--a boy with a secretive past and special abilities, who is somehow able to find comfort and life from their dying planet.
But just as the two form a bond, it is quickly torn apart after the Magistrate's son is murdered and Rose becomes the prime suspect. Little do Deedra and Rose know how much their relationship will affect the fate of everyone who lives on the planet. ~Goodreads
Source: ARC from the publisher via BEA15
My thoughts:
After the Red Rain was...fine…
I am, admittedly, completely burned out on the dystopian/post apocalyptic genre – but it’s been almost a year since I’ve read one, so I thought I would see if I’m ready to jump back in. I guess not.
On the plus side, despite the usual bleak dystopian world set up (few resources, territories ruled by different leaders), this was a fairly inventive story. It was a relief to read a YA dystopian that didn’t rely on being sorted into factions or lengthy fight training sequences or silly love triangles.
The hero is quite different from the norm. His name is Rose, and is described as androgynous looking. He’s a very straight forward character. No brooding past, no passive aggressive behavior. But he does have a pretty big secret that provides the big twist for the novel. Deedra, the heroine, is just a girl – no special snowflake status or powers – just a plain old girl, which was also a nice change of pace.
Problem is, I can’t say I cared all that much about what happened. There is plenty of action and a few cool, inventive twists, but the story seems to just be going through the motions and hits all the notes required for the genre but didn’t really dig deep enough to put me on the edge of my seat while reading.
This book wraps up this particular story arc while leaving room open for a sequel. There were a lot of things regarding world building that were left too vague and hopefully would be addressed in a second book, almog with stronger character development.
So yeah – it was fine. I’m not sure how much if this was from my dystopia fatigue or the book itself, so if you still love ALL things dystopian definitely give it a go. I will say - that it has a unique premise, particularly concerning the hero.
My goals: ~ 3 days of toning (weights/resistance bands/or body weight) ~ 2 days of stretching/yoga (besides warm ups cool downs) ~ 2 –3 days cardio ~ 1 day adding something for a stubborn area – legs/butt/abs
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I haven’t done a FitReaders post in a long time but I wanted to check in so I can keep myself on course during the dog days of summer. It’s hard to stay motivated when it’s over 100 and humid everyday!
I’ve had a few health issues that slowed me down a bit but I’ve still managed to do some sort of exercise – even if it’s only 10-15 minutes, plus a 1mile walk, every day so yay!
I still need to get more stretching and yoga in, especially as I increase my weights for toning.
I’m getting better at endurance during cardio. I still hate it – I still don’t get an endorphin high – but I’m not almost passing out either so I’ll count that as a win.
I’ve had problems with asthma the past few years but recently found out some of my coughing is due to silent reflux – basically acid reflux but without all the stomach pain (thankfully!). Instead, it effects your esophagus. After adhering to a fairly strict elimination diet (no high acid foods – tomatoes, onions, garlic, cheese, chocolate, coffee etc) for 3 weeks, my cough is gone and I haven’t needed my inhaler at all. I can start adding in foods to see what my triggers are but I’m really happy with the results.
So anyway – I thought I would share a great recipe that fit my GERD diet but is still delicious. I’ve used this recipe for years to start my morning right & even for a quick dinner.
HIGH OCTANE PANCAKES
1/3 C plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 C quick-cooking oats
3 tablespoon toasted wheat germ
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 C fat-free plain yogurt (*see note)
1 tablespoon canola oil
In a bowl, combine first 6 ingredients ( flour – salt). In another bowl combine milk, yogurt and oil. Mix into dry ingredients until moistened (*see note).
Pour 1/3 C batter onto hot griddle/pan, using non stick cooking spray. Turn when bubbles form around the edges and top of pancake. Cook second side until golden brown.
Makes 4 pancakes
*Notes
~ I use Greek yogurt for more flavor and thickness – sometimes I also use vanilla flavor instead of plain.
~ The batter for these pancakes is very thin. I add about 1 tablespoon more of flour than the recipe calls for so you might have to paly around with it at first. Mix it and let it sit for a few minutes and it thickens up some. You could probably also use less liquid – but I haven’t tried that.
Chef's Table goes inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world’s most renowned international chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef, featuring Ben Shewry (Attica Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia), Magnus Nilsson (Fäviken in Järpen Sweden), Francis Mallmann (El Restaurante Patagonia Sur in Buenos Aires, Argentina), Niki Nakayama (N/Naka Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, USA), Dan Barber (Blue Hill Restaurant at Stone Barns and in New York City, USA) and Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy) and thier unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven. My thoughts: Chef’s Table is a fascinating look into the mind, ego and creativity of master chefs and the art of cooking. Each episode follows the kitchen of a different chef, all driven to create, in a way that us mere home cooks are not.
There are 6 episodes total but here are a few of my favorites:
Episode 1 – Massimo Bottura (italy): Bottura's episode follows his journey to Modena Italy as he attempts to reinvent Italian cooking at his three-Michelin-star restaurant in a place that doesn't want him reinvent Italian cooking. But it was his relationship with his wife Lara that stood out. Their partnership, love and sense of family, despite his drive and ego, was a rare and beautiful thing to watch. Especially when, in future episodes, you see those same traits straining the other chefs relationships.
Episode 2 - Dan Barber (NYC): Barber’s focus is on the use of local ingredients and the best ingredients and growing practices. This episode was more about the food, than the chef, and I loved learning about what goes into developing the perfect wheat, or creating an egg with a red yolk.
It was also intriguing to see how, despite his enormous success, he can't seem to let go of the kitchen to spend time with his family and young daughter. Something he struggles with and freely discusses. It was kind of sad at times.
Episode 3 - Francis Mallmann (Argentina): This guy is a larger than life character that seems to inspire an almost cult like following of chefs to train in his open fire technique at his home in remote Patagonia. He has an old school Hemingway/Steve McQueen, hippie vibe that draws you to him but then he’s kind of an asshole that seems to confuse the idea of freedom with treating people like shit but that’s also part of his allure. I don’t think I would ever want to be friends with him but he’s fascinating to watch.
Episode 4 - Niki Nakayama (CA): This episode brought me to tears and felt the most personal and vulnerable. Nakayama struggles with finding her own path and not disappointing her family, culture or customers. She’s just as driven as the other chefs but her desire to please her customers and create something personal for them makes her stand out as not just another ego driven chef.
She also, not surprisingly, as a female chef, has to battle the ignorance of customers and other chefs. It’s really compelling and I wanted to go hug her after watching her episode.
All of the chef’s show that desire to obtain perfection, be the best in their field, awhile still trying to have a family and balanced life outside of the kitchen. Except for Mallmann, of course, who doesn’t seem to give a f*ck. lol
I found that dynamic more interesting than the food they were creating. In fact, I found that part pretentious, along with the food critics. The food featured in this series is only accessible to the very rich. and I don’t think that necessarily makes it any better.
But that’s not what this series is about. It’s about the art of cooking – the inner workings of an artist and what makes them tick.
Trailer:
And a hilarious spoof trailer:
Related book recommendations:
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain - A deliciously funny, delectably shocking banquet of wild-but-true tales of life in the culinary trade from Chef Anthony Bourdain, laying out his more than a quarter-century of drugs, sex, and haute cuisine
*This was the first *behind the scenes* of cooking book that I read. Fun, and a little bit shocking. Made me think twice about ordering the “special”
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Heat: An Amateur Cook in a Professional Kitchen by Bill Buford - A highly acclaimed writer and editor, Bill Buford left his job at The New Yorker for a most unlikely destination: the kitchen at Babbo, the revolutionary Italian restaurant created and ruled by superstar chef Mario Batali. Finally realizing a long-held desire to learn first-hand the experience of restaurant cooking, Buford soon finds himself drowning in improperly cubed carrots and scalding pasta water on his quest to learn the tricks of the trade. His love of Italian food then propels him on journeys further afield: to Italy, to discover the secrets of pasta-making and, finally, how to properly slaughter a pig.
* This is another fun, behind the scenes of cooking, book but from the perspective of an amateur – who thinks he’s a decent cook but finds himself in way over his head.
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Laura Florand – If you want a side of romance with your food I suggest anything and everything written by Laura Florand. The whole time I was watching Chef’s Table, I was thinking about her books. I knew she put a lot of research into writing her surly fictional chefs, but watching this series made me realize how spot on she was. The struggle for perfection, to reach that pinnacle before who feel worthy of love – it’s all there – plus decadent food descriptions.
I’m going to single out Turning Up the Heat because it fits closest to the series themes of ego, family and balance.
~ After eleven years of marriage, Léa Laurier knew her husband. Knew how he could take on responsibility for a world-famous restaurant, a wife, and her two teenage siblings at nineteen years old and never falter, never tire. Knew his drive and his ambition, that took him to the stars. Knew how briliant his gray eyes looked when they met hers for just one moment across a host of cameras. She didn’t know why she was so tired. She didn’t know why she needed to just get away. For a while. Maybe a week or two. A month. She’d be back.
After eleven years of marriage, international superstar chef Daniel Laurier knew his wife. Knew how she could lavish caring on everyone, her siblings, his staff, and most especially him. Knew the way her face lit up when he won yet another television contest, and the way she hugged him for it. Knew how her hair smelled when he sank into bed exhausted at one in the morning. He didn’t know what to do when he came home from a consulting trip to find she’d disappeared to remote South Pacific island: I just needed to get away for a little while. A week or two. I’ll call you.
As the whole solid world under his feet turned into a sandcastle in the tide, Daniel knew only one thing: whatever was wrong with his marriage or his wife, he wasn’t losing her. So as a top chef, he did the one thing he always knew how to do: turn up the heat.
A delightful romp to be read in one sitting—for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, and Tessa Dare.
Lady Viola Hextall is bored—of the ocean, her chaperones, and the woeful lack of available dukes on the ocean voyage from London to New York. Scrambling for any diversion short of jumping overboard, Viola strikes up a conversation with the ship's rough-hewn, blue-eyed surgeon—and discovers an immediate cure for what ails her...
To Nathaniel Shaw, Viola has the bearing of a lady and the spirit of an adventurer—an unlikely combination that he finds utterly irresistible. So he's hoping to convince Viola to leave the stifling ballrooms of London high society behind because there is a big, wide world just waiting for them to explore—together. ~ Goodreads
Source: E-arc provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review
My thoughts: For some reason, I didn’t realize this was a short story (at around 89 pages for my e-arc) when I acceptedA Lady’s Guide to Scandal for review, but it turned out to be perfect timing, since that seems to be the duration of my reader attention span at the moment.
This novella also accomplished what I’m sure the publishers & author intended – I want to read more of this series and author now.
This story and the relationship between Lady Viola and Dr. Nathaniel Shaw moves at a brisk pace, going from casual hello’s to true love in a matter of days but it works. Bowen manages to write two characters with a complexity and believability that kind of took me by surprise. Yes, there is passion and sexy times, but there is also intellectual conversation and character growth, especially for Viola. A strong but flawed female lead and a man who tries to nurture her strengths only add to the appeal.
I would have loved to read more about these two and their own full story but it was a satisfying end and I’m looking forward to reading more by Bowen.
Time to metaphorically hold my feet to the fire. I’ve been very good this year about reading books from my physical bookshelf and making my way through the BEA15 books, but I can tell I’m about to hit a snag.
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I’ve been reading A Darker Shade of Magic for over a month now – I usually finish a book in one or two days. I like it, a lot, and I love V.E. Schwab, but for whatever reason it isn’t compelling yet. I NEED to finish this book! Had to DNF this one :-(
After the Red Rain by Barry Lygaand Another Day by David Levithan are both BEA books, releasing in August. I have zero urge to read either at the moment, and I still need to read book #1, Every Day before starting Another Day. Which means I have to buy it lol First world blogger problems….. Read After the Red Rain and - meh -> Review
Then I have a few, already released books that I would like to clear off the shelf:
The Hunt by Stacey Kade (book #2 in the Project Paper Dolls series) & then pick up The Trials (book #3) so I can finally complete a series – which I haven’t done in ages!
The Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan. This was one of my MUST haves at BEA but now – meh – no urge to read it. I hate when that happens! Convoluted mess filled with plot holes and a bad romance set up.
A Wish Upon Jasmine by Laura Florand – Florand is one of my favorite authors so I know I’ll read/enjoy this one. The only reason I haven’t started it yet is because her books need to be savored & I haven’t had time to do an all day read. Soon my precious…soon… I loved it!
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I seem to do better at these things if I post it on my blog, so hopefully that was the kick in the pants I needed and I will stop getting distracted by Netflix, and .99 book deals. At least I didn’t redesign my blog again! lol
Welcome to the random ramblings of a reader, armature baker, & inflexible yogi. I'm a lover of good food, TV, music & all things nature. My favorite thing is being a dog mom to @Ripley_kai_yay
